Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (26) hotel (23) service (17) beautiful (16) courtyard (16) great (16) breakfast (15) good (13) friendly (12) excellent (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Lynette P. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful setting The renovations have been done so beautifully. Black white striped umbrellas. Tilled courtyard with a fountain tinkling away. Whole host of birds were drinking and bathing in the fountain. We had a little wag tail walking around under our table looking for crumbs. Continental Buffet breakfast for R150 per person was superb. Fresh fruit, pastries, scones, breads, juices, tea , coffee. 10/10 Very lovely and friendly staff. Very helpful and good service.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle M. 1 year ago on Google
    This beautiful hotel is situated along the Sea Point Promenade which affords guests and patrons beautiful views of the ocean and gorgeous sunsets. The hotel is situated within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront and many restaurants. The hotel is tastefully decorated. I unfortunately have not stayed at the hotel, I have only enjoyed meals or cocktails in the beautiful courtyard, restaurant or verandah. I am sure it is fabulous to stay over. Wheelchair accessibility is in place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex A. 2 years ago on Google
    Attended a wedding here nearly two decades ago and then went back for breakfast after the renovations in '21. Superbly friendly staff, bright and vibrant atmosphere, tasty food and excellently priced. Always great to see establishments that are able to reinvent themselves while maintaining that quality and service are the cornerstones. Can't wait to go back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Stefan Le J. 2 years ago on Google
    First time back since renovations which have been tastefully done - courtyard looks great. This is the second renovation in last 20 years that I have been visiting regularly. Things have changed since the old wooden floor bar of the mid 00s, Bar area now seems a little cold (and it's still summer!). The comfortable couches have been replaced with hard chairs and tables. Bar menu is OK but old favorites are no longer there. Prices (especially drinks) have increased which is unfortunate but normal I suppose for a boutique experience! Staff are still great and friendly. Keep it up.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Richard M. 2 years ago on Google
    Briefly dropped in to see what the place looks like after the renovations. Very nice options and a number of venue options to choose from. We sat outside on the veranda where the menu was still quite extensive. Not much choice for vegetarian and the snack we ordered was pretty bland. Side of chips really nice with a chili laced mayonnaise. Coffees excellent and coffee milk shakes as well. Not much choice there either thanks probably to an uptick of customers. Excellent service and overall ambiance calm and friendly. Will definitely go back and have a proper meal.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rory L. 5 months ago on Google
    We stayed at the Winchester for two nights in November and were really excited to celebrate our honeymoon there having seen it advertised as a 'boutique' hotel - we love the intimate, quaint and personal feel to these smaller hotels. What was clear however, almost from the off, was that this wasn't the case for The Winchester. We noticed that the hotel suffers from quite a lot of faults that are typical with larger hotels (especially those owned by another company) where you receive a much less personal, high-quality experience, such as: - Customer service being very slow, with it taking almost a month to process an initial refund due to a booking error - Incorrect information from staff, with one receptionist claiming a restaurant we wanted to book had a '3 month waiting list'...it turned out they don't even accept bookings - we just queued up and were seated in 5 minutes - Hotel services not available, including the spa and gym being closed for refurbishment. Being offered to simply go to the local Virgin Active and paying for this service ourselves wasn't exactly solving the issue - Wet towels and empty drinks not being cleared away from beds around the pool, so none appeared to be available - Room faults, including an empty mini bar, limited lighting, a loose tap in the en-suite, limited toiletries and fly nests around the windows Whilst there were elements we appreciated - such as the breakfast - we don't believe this justified the price we've paid to celebrate our honeymoon, and it certainly isn't a typical boutique hotel experience. We recommend staying a bit further south in Camps Bay and heading to the POD, which is the definition of an outstanding boutique hotel.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharon H. 7 months ago on Google
    What a gem of a hotel. From the moment we stepped inside we were greeted warmly and with efficiency, nothing was too much trouble. Nick at reception was so helpful, advising restaurants and making bookings for trips also. All staff were friendly and courteous, food at breakfast was a delight as was the lunch / evening menu - great sipping a drink on the outside terrace, watching the sunset. Will definitely book again without hesitation, thank you for such a great experience visiting Cape Town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mariki Pretorius vd W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience. The courtyard is beautiful. Watched a bird take a bath in the fountain. So restful and peaceful. Food was really good and they catered specially for me and all my special requests. Tapiwa was an excellent waiter. I’d visit again any time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A way with me B. 1 year ago on Google
    We enjoyed a beautiful lunch at the Shoreditch restaurants courtyard - brimming with lush bougainvillea, a water fountain and the most tranquil atmosphere. The food was delicious and the setting an absolute dream! Can’t wait to return.

  • 5/5 Josh A. 8 months ago on Google
    The staff were genuinely excellent - their manner was so welcoming and the food was so good we ate many dinners there. The location also was ideal with a lovely view of the sunset very night. Slightly surprised by the price of the laundry which they use a third party for but a minor gripe

  • 4/5 Maria E. 1 year ago on Google
    We love stopping by for a drink around sunset. The cocktails were really refreshing and the appetizers were delicious. Depending on the day and time the ambiance is either really nice and upbeat or a little dead (not that there’s an issue with that).

  • 1/5 Howie G. 1 year ago on Google
    As much as the location is incredible and some of the food is ok. The service at this establishment is nothing short of atrocious. Phone calls go unanswered. Staff handling phone calls are rude and abrupt and the calls are constantly dropped making calling and booking a laborious fast.

  • 4/5 Johanna M. 11 months ago on Google
    This has been my hotel to stay at when in Cape Town on business for the last 20 years. Although its ownership has changed in the past 3 years, it has not lost its charm. In fact it has modernised and improved greatly. The staff - many of whom have been there for a long time - are well trained and very friendly. The re modernised rooms and bathrooms are comfortable and well appointed. The location of the hotel is one of its greatest attractions with its views of Sea Point.

  • 5/5 Antony M. 10 months ago on Google
    Breathtaking views, great place for cocktails and good food. The staff gives you great service. I loved it😁

  • 3/5 Justin f. 11 months ago on Google
    We had mothers day lunch at the main restaurant. I had heard such great things about Winchester, however this was disappointing. I think the courtyard for tea is what we should have done Pricey, no ambience and service ok. Looking out through a gap in the curtains at a bus on the road.

  • 4/5 Matthew P. 1 year ago on Google
    I went for lunch and it certainly was fine, it’s a nice area and our waiter was polite efficient etc. The food was just a little pretentiousness and not that great. I got tacos and the person who made them appeared not to know what a taco was and we got some crackers?! Bit weird.

  • 5/5 Sam H. 11 months ago on Google
    Excellent food with 5 star service. Real attention to detail. Reasonable price for a great experience

  • 5/5 Beth O. 5 months ago on Google
    We stayed here for several days as part of a group tour. Staff was amazing and took such great care of us! Everyone was very kind and sincere. Rooms were nice and very comfortable. Bathrooms were well appointed and beautiful. The hotel restaurant was so very good. Can't wait to go back!

  • 5/5 Kev K. 5 months ago on Google
    My wife and I really enjoyed our stay. The staff were extremely pleasant to us. We can't overstate enough the fabalous service we received. Much love to the staff... We hated to leave, but hopefully we can return sometime in the near future. Thanks Daisey and the other lady 'Khoisan' who uses click language, and the entire staff. Keep the good work!!!!

  • 5/5 Michelle P. 4 months ago on Google
    Impeccable service and hospitality of your staff made our stay very enjoyable. I was very impressed by the responsiveness of all staff from making the booking till the end of our stay. What is most commendable is that numerous request were all but acceded. Well done.

  • 2/5 Anthony S. 5 months ago on Google
    I’m specifically reviewing the restaurant. We sat in the courtyard and it’s a beautiful, tranquil setting. Such a nice atmosphere. Unfortunately the food was very disappointing. The steak was tough and bland, and the bourbon mustard sauce I ordered tasted mostly like vinegar. What a pity.

  • 1/5 Netta G. 4 months ago on Google
    Receptionist at the hotel made accusations and refused to listen to customers. When I realized the receptionist was found not to be listening I requested on two occasions to speak with manager. He refused to get the manager. He was incredibly unhelpful. What a shame. I do not recommend staying here.

  • 2/5 Stumbling F. 1 year ago on Google
    We recently had supper at their restaurant and was sorely disappointed. While the location was amazing and the flowers beautiful; I cannot say the same for the food. We tried their lamb kofta which had the worst gamey taste that just took over everything, the portion was also tiny and not worth the price tag. The waiter also had this stand-offish attitude that left us a bit shocked. Not worth the hype at all. You could probably just go for the flowers and then go have a meal elsewhere.

  • 5/5 Tati G. 1 year ago on Google
    The cafe is located in the hotel. Very nice courtyard inside the building. You can also sit at a table overlooking the ocean. It's a very nice, peaceful place. Service is good. The food was brought quickly.

  • 5/5 Asa 1 year ago on Google
    I visited the Shoreditch restaurant and absolutely loved my experience. The staff is exceptional and the food is really good quality. It is slightly on the pricey side but is well worth it. You can choose to have a gorgeous view of the ocean or sit in the courtyard. I enjoyed everything about this place.

  • 5/5 Durban E. 1 year ago on Google
    What a luxurious treat! We visited the Winchester for their famous scones. When you enter the Bougainvillea- adorned courtyard, you’re instantly transported to a lush hotel in London or Paris. The staff were lovely and friendly too. I’ll definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Colleen K. 1 year ago on Google
    So lovely to watch the passing parade from the petfriendly pavement patio. A glass of wine accompanied by divine hand cut chips with mayo - what's to complain about? Super staff, friendly and efficient- a great vibe and a really beautiful hotel!

  • 3/5 N M. 1 year ago on Google
    The restaurant is very beautiful. I've been here multiple times and ordered different things. I can say that the food isn't bad but it's not wow either. Especially for that price point. The sweet potato side was great though and I will say that the food is all beautifully plated.

  • 2/5 Only M. 1 year ago on Google
    Popped in for coffee for the first time since renovations were completed. Had a walk around before sitting down on the uncomfortable metal chairs in the beautiful courtyard. The coffee was okay and the cheesecake we had was good (when it eventually arrived). The service was poor and our order was presented in dirty cutlery md chipped crockery which I promptly returned with a waiter that was more friendly and helpful than the one who actually was supposed to be attending to us. He apologised and fixed that issue. To sum it up; the cheesecake was good, coffee okay, setting lovely, but service left a bitter taste in the mouth.

  • 3/5 Jeff R. 1 year ago on Google
    Popped in for an afternoon sundowner. The sparse furnishings in bistro reminded me of a school hall from the 80's. Tables needed a decent wipe down, floors had some food remnants from earlier in the day. 5☆ standard??? On a positive note, attentive friendly staff.

  • 4/5 Martin K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great hotel. We wanted a nice place to stay on our last night and this hotel met all our needs. The room was clean, facilities excellent, breakfast superb. We only took one star off because the shower door was broken and made a terrible racket .but in ever other way excellent hotel.

  • 5/5 Diamondhouse Guesthouse G. 1 year ago on Google
    Booked a breakfast educational for our staff. Service and food was amazing. Very friendly staff, especially Jean Pierre, Goodwill and JD. Their smiles can make anyone feel welcome. Our waitress was super fantastic. Thank you for hosting our staff.

  • 4/5 Cherie W. 1 year ago on Google
    Met friends for breakfast. Initially felt slightly ignored while I was searching for our booked table. Found it myself and from then on had excellent service. Food was great, really good coffee and the courtyard has a wonderful atmosphere. Even on a cold winter's day, the heaters kept us comfortably warm. Overall highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Jeroen B. 1 year ago on Google
    An excellent venue for a breakfast. Buffet, a la carte or warm breakfast are the options. With a beautiful view of the sea and promenade this is an excellent spot for special event be it birthday or a breakfast date. One also has the option of sitting in the courtyard which is a wonderful spot but I found it a little too noisy. Coffee is great and overall an positive experience. One can expect to pay about ~R160/pp for a breakfast here.

  • 1/5 Laura W. 2 years ago on Google
    I checked in to the Winchester Mansions for a staycation to relax and sleep. I requested the best possible room and was given a Suite on the first floor with a view of a block of flats and a parking lot... Not what I had in mind or ideal for my purposes and not good value for money. Both days I had air conditioning technicians working directly outside my room in front of a window which had no curtain or blind that overlooked the bed. Room service menu was extremely limited and the food was not great. The door staff, cleaning staff and waiters at the breakfast were excellent and should be acknowledged for their excellent service.

  • 5/5 Alia P. 2 years ago on Google
    This gorgeous historic courtyard, recently redesigned in sharp monotones as a contemporary foil to the stars of the show, 4 stories of purple bougainvillea draped over colonnaded balconies, is my favourite breakfast spot. Try to get a table next to the fountain that gives you a cheeky slice of sea view through the arched entrance walkway. The nicest, friendliest staff too. It's just perfect.

  • 3/5 Sadaf V. 2 years ago on Google
    We booked at the Winchester for 8 nights. The hotel is beautiful and renovations are nicely done. It does get a bit noisy in the rooms because of the courtyard but overall I love the hustle and bustle in the hotel. Most of the staff have been amazing- helpful, solving problems and trying to ensure we have a good stay. A special shout-out to Philip at reception for outstanding service. However, one major drawback was that a few interactions with some staff members have left me feeling really upset. One security guard who has absolutely no manners. He didn’t know we were staying at the hotel (now on day 7/8) and said to us, “excuse me- we start here”. It was so rude and obnoxious. There are so many more polite ways to have an interaction with a guest. Obviously some kind of power high. Similarly there was a waiter who was extremely sarcastic to me when I wanted to go out in the courtyard which was closed. He started by asking me where am I off to and then when I asked to pay for my coffee he said I have to pay cash since it’s a small amount. I later found out that in house guests aren’t charged for coffees. There was also a reception staff who literally went out of her way to be unhelpful. These three unnecessarily upsetting interactions have made us question whether we would return to an otherwise beautiful hotel.

  • 5/5 Londa M. 1 year ago on Google
    We didn't stay here, but booked a breakfast slot. We were greeted by extremely friendly and helpful staff. Our breakfast was also awesome. Priced fairly well. But potion sizes were not to my liking. Breakfast is my preferred big meal of the day. So portion sizes will likely fit most people's needs. The place is beautiful. Bursting with character. You'll enjoy taking pics, if you're wired that way.


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